Wheat prices have surged sharply across Punjab, including Lahore, with rates rising by up to Rs700 per maund in just 10 days, triggering higher flour prices and public concern over availability.
Market sources said the price of wheat has increased from Rs3,700 per maund to around Rs4,400–4,450 in Lahore within 10 days.
In Rawalpindi, wheat prices reportedly climbed even higher, touching Rs4,800 per maund, reflecting the steepest increase in the province.
According to market sources, wheat prices have reached approximately Rs4,500 per maund in Gujranwala and Gujrat.
In Multan, the rate stands at around Rs4,450 per maund, while Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan are reporting prices close to Rs4,400. Wheat prices in Islamabad have also increased to about Rs4,400 per maund.
Flour prices rise
Sources said a 15-kilogram flour bag in Lahore is expected to sell for Rs1,750, up from Rs1,500. Meanwhile, market sources reported that cheaper 10 kg and 20 kg flour bags have become rare in several areas of Lahore, adding to consumer anxiety.
The central chairman of the Flour Mills Association attributed the surge in prices to a shortage of wheat. Asim Raza, a representative of the association, said wheat stocks are “disappearing,” which has driven up prices across Punjab.
Food Dept denies flour shortage
Contrary to market claims, the department has rejected claims that flour mills are being supplied wheat at higher prices. Director Food Amjad Hafeez stated that 16,000 metric tons of wheat are being supplied daily to 514 flour mills at a controlled rate of Rs3,000 per maund.
The department said wheat is being provided to flour mills at subsidized rates to ensure an uninterrupted supply of flour. According to Hafeez, around 70% of the wheat required for daily flour consumption is being supplied at the fixed official rate, with daily supplies exceeding normal demand.
He emphasized that there is no shortage or crisis of wheat or flour in Punjab. More than one million bags of 10kg and 20kg flour are currently available in the market.
At official rates, 10kg flour is available for Rs950, while 20kg flour is being sold for Rs1,810. He added that rumours of a price hike are being spread by certain elements, clarifying that the Punjab government has not increased flour prices at all.
